Jake Wightman powers into European 1500m final

MARK WOODS

Jake Wightman is ready to sacrifice an Olympic outing after surging into the 1500 metres final at the European Championships glory with a storming surge in last night’s semi-finals in Amsterdam.

The Capital prospect, 21, roared from the middle of the pack to hold off 2014 silver medallist Henrik Ingebrigtsen and take victory in 3:39.32, the fastest of the round.

With tomorrow night’s final set to be a tactical clash, it leaves the former European junior champion with only a slender chance of getting the qualifying mark he needs to reach Rio 2016 next month.

But Wightman concedes the opportunity to take a first senior title is too good to pass up after proving his worth here.

“I was hoping when we ran the first lap in 57 seconds, something could have been on,” he said. “But then it fell back and to do it, it would have been a very painful last lap. I have to accept now that I’d rather have a good run at the championships and get a medal than give the standard a go and come in last.”

With team-mates Tom Lancashire and Lee Emanuel missing out, Wightman will go solo in the final and he admits a surer showing might be required after his fight through the pack.

“I found myself in a pretty bad position. I was hoping to sneak up the inside but instead I had to back off and come around again. It probably played into my hands a bit though.”